Favorite Schools

Favorite Teams

Greater New Orleans

Change Region

comments

Are the New Orleans Pelicans one or two years away from returning to the NBA playoffs?

Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Hornets

A fan's sign bids the Hornets farewell and welcomes the Pelicans during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Hornets at the New Orleans Arena on Sunday, April 14, 2013. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, Nola.com | The Times-Picayune)

New Orleans Pelicans General Manager Dell Demps says they are going to look at every opportunity to turn the Pelicans into the best possible team by next season. But even if the Pelicans land a solid lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft, acquire some of their targets in free agency this summer and make additional improvements with a trade will it lead to a playoff berth next season?

With the second youngest roster in the league this season, the Hornets finished with a 27-55 record after going 21-45 during the 2011-12 lockout shortened season. To make the jump to the playoffs next season, the Pelicans will likely need 18 or more wins than what they achieved this season. That's a significant jump, considering the Hornets have combined for 48 wins in the past two seasons. The Houston Rockets finished at 45-37 this season to earn the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Give us your thoughts in the comment section below on whether you think the Pelicans are one or two years away from returning to the playoffs.